SingleSpeed-a-Palooza
Race Recap by: Joaquin Canizales
So this past weekend (April 24-25th) was a busy weekend of mountain bike racing for Team Marty’s. Half the crew attended the Cohutta 100 mile race, while the other half drove up to beautiful
The rains started to fall Saturday night into Sunday morning. By the time the race started, the damage was already done to the trails. A steady light rain continued to fall through the morning and early afternoon. Trail conditions quickly turned to mud and every turn, every climb, every decent was a slippery mess. By the time all competitors had done one lap (12.5 per lap), the trails had turned to peanut butter.
Although the mud put a damper on the festivities of the day, everyone seemed in good racing spirits and we all put our best efforts and finished our personal races strongly. Post race we all had some post recovery beers and hotdogs.
Some of our fastest cat1 racers could not make the trip, while others were feeling under the weather. After a dominant cat2 season in 2009, this was (
All riders below competed in the Sport class (Cat2) NJ/South category:
Steve Vanseggern was the fastest cat2 rider for Team Marty’s. Finishing strongly with a time of 2:31:44 (15 of 58) in the Cat2 NJ/South category. Steve retains the Marty riders cat2 title and bragging rights for another year. He gave us a whooping in 2009 and continued his fast ways in 2010.
This was Mike Rossi’s return to XC racing since the devastating crash and thumb injury at Jungle habitat two years ago. So to avoid further injury, he has since switched over to Downhill racing??????? Yeah, that makes sense??? Mike and Steve rode together in an epic battle over 23 of the 25 miles. Steve managed to put a last minute charge and overtake Mike in a battle for the finish line. Mike still put in a great effort and showed that he can still race XC and hang with the fast guys. 21 of 58 with a time of 2:34:11.
So I thought I was going to do some real damage aboard my feather light racing only Independent Fabrication Ti deluxe and keep up with the boys above. I was sadly mistaken. This goes to prove, it’s the rider, not the bike. I had an off day and my legs refused to consistently pedal with power. By mile 22-23, the leg cramp demons kicked in and my hams started to cramp up. I managed to put in a good effort in the last few miles and finished out my race strongly (31 of 58 at 2:48:07).
Kevin Kurie aboard what appeared to be the only 69er at the race, started strong and continued his relentless pace throughout the race. Kevin came up 2 miles short of the finish and had to briefly dismount and compose himself as the symptoms of Bonking were kicking in. Kevin completed the race and was relieved to have some post race recovery beers and hotdogs. (35 of 58 at 2:52:33).
Bill Dove and Albert Tomaro fought each other hard for the 1st lap and the beginning of the second lap. Bill had a little more to give towards the end; even though he hates riding in the mud. As he puts it “Mud = Dead to me”. (37 of 58 at 2:55:20).
With a couple more training rides under his belt, no doubt “All Terrain Tomaro” will be back to whoop some of his younger teammates at the next couple of races (40 of 58 at 3:02:51).
In what could only be a personal accomplishment, Mike Grant completed the longest race to date without any cramping issues. With a strong training program, some electrolyte tablets and some stretching throughout the race, he managed to finish the race without issues. We all hope this is a sign of things to come this coming race season. No cramps and strong finishes we hope. (48 of 58 at 3:23:04).
Special thanks to Jennel and Cathy Rossi for taking pictures and cheering the boys above.
Photos for your viewing pleasure:
Pre Race
Joaquin hanging out Pre Race in his new ride.
Mike Grant leading the field off the start line.
Mike "Hollywood" Rossi waving to the ladies. Kevin is the backgorund with some sweet shades.
Joaquin!!
Steve V. hittin the Singletrack
"Hollywood" Rossi smiling for the camera.
Joaquin enjoying his time in the mud.
Bill Dove and Albert Tomaro
Grant looking good....and fast!
Steve V. is finished and looking for beer and hotdogs.
Rossi post race.
Celebrity appearance by 2 members of Jersey Shore.
Bill Dove finishing strong
Kevin post race.....That is a serious man-beard
Albert T. post race with a home brew recovery drink.
Mike Grant post race. Looking clean.....smart man using a fender.
The following pictures were taken by Luke Kelly. You can visit Luke's website at
Utah Joe
Steve V.
Mike Rossi
Kevin K.
Joaquin
Bill Dove
Albert T.
Mike Grant
Thanks to all the Marty's racers who braved the elements and competed in the SingleSpeed-A-Polozza. Catch the Marty's crew at their next event, The season opener for the H2H race series.....Waywayanda.